Paracetamol doesn’t cause autism, but misinformation is certainly giving me a headache.
You may have heard talk in the press this week claiming that Tylenol (Paracetamol for us Brits) use during pregnancy causes a ‘very increased risk of autism’. In one of his most eyebrow raising moment to date, President Donald Trump made the claim during a White House press event on Monday. He even went as far as to advise pregnant women to ‘tough it out’ and avoid Paracetamol altogether.
The Claim: Bold, Baseless, and Baffling
Trump’s assertion that the FDA would soon issue guidance warning against Tylenol use during pregnancy was news to everyone, including the FDA (The Food and Drug Administration or the US equivalent of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency that we have in the UK). No such guidance exists, and no credible medical body, either in the US or the UK has endorsed this claim. Paracetamol has long been considered one of the safest pain relievers for pregnant individuals when used as directed. So where is this coming from? A few cherry-picked studies, a dash of pseudoscience, and a whole lot of political bravado.
What the Science Actually Says
Yes, there have been studies looking into possible links between paracetamol and neurodevelopmental outcomes. But they’re far from conclusive. Most experts agree there’s no proven cause-and-effect relationship between paracetamol and autism. These studies raise questions, not alarms, and they certainly don’t justify sweeping public health claims.
Dr. Allison Bryant, a high-risk obstetrician at Massachusetts General Hospital, summed it up: ‘None (of the studies) clearly show any cause and effect.’ Translation: Trump’s claim is about as medically sound as using essential oils to treat a broken leg.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting didn’t mince words in response to Trump’s remarks either. Speaking to ITV, he urged the public to ‘not pay any attention whatsoever’ to the claim, stating clearly: “There is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children—none.” He cited a major Swedish study involving 2.4 million children that found no link between the drug and the condition. His advice? Don’t even take his word for it—listen to British doctors, scientists, and the NHS.
The Real Danger: Misinformation with a Megaphone
The most alarming part of this saga isn’t the claim itself, it’s the platform it was given. When a sitting president makes sweeping medical pronouncements without evidence, people listen. And when those pronouncements contradict decades of research, the consequences can be serious.
Untreated pain and fever during pregnancy can harm both mother and baby. Discouraging safe treatment options based on flimsy science is irresponsible and dangerous.
Conclusion: Facts Matter More Than Soundbites
Autism is a complex condition with roots in genetics and early brain development. It cannot be boiled down to a single cause, and certainly not to a common over-the-counter painkiller. Oversimplifying the science does a disservice to autistic individuals and their families, and spreads confusion where clarity is needed most.
What happens at an autism assessment?
So, you’ve finally taken the leap (see what we did there?) and booked your autism assessment. You’re nervous, you’re curious, you’re almost a bit excited, it’s been a long road to this point, and you’re hoping that soon you will have answers to life long questions. But, what actually happens at an autism assessment?
At Leap, we use two assessment tools to assess and diagnose autism. We use the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition) and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview - revised).
The ADOS-2 is a shorter assessment, it uses tasks and conversations to assess for autism, and is usually completed in person at our clinic space in Burscough. When you come for an ADOS-2, you will meet with Jess and one of the Leap clinicians who will guide you through the process. Jess will do most of the talking, where as the other clinician will be taking notes. This assessment usually lasts one hour.
The ADI-R assessment is a little longer and can be completed online via Microsoft Teams, over the telephone, or in person if you wish. It focuses on your developmental history, how you developed socially as a child, your interests and routines, and your sensory interests and challenges.
This may all sound like a lot, and in a way, it is - the assessments are designed to be thorough, we want any diagnoses to be accurate and clinically sound, but you will always be in safe hands. At Leap, we want the assessment process to be a positive and affirming one, and so we are led by our patients in terms of pace and in terms of what we talk about. You will never be under pressure to talk about anything you do not want to, and you can take breaks if you need to. We can also split the ADI-R assessment over two sessions.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Why pursue an autism diagnosis?
It all begins with an idea.
Have you ever wondered if an autism assessment might help you understand yourself better?
For many people, receiving an autism diagnosis, whether in childhood or adulthood, can feel like a turning point. Like a lens through which life suddenly makes more sense. For many people, diagnosis isn’t about labels, it’s about clarity, validation, and access to support.
Clarity: Understanding Yourself Better
One of the most immediate benefits of an autism diagnosis is clarity. For years, many autistic individuals navigate the world feeling ‘different’ without knowing why. Social interactions might feel confusing, sensory experiences overwhelming, and routines essential, but without a framework to explain these patterns, it’s easy to internalise frustration and feel as though there must be something ‘wrong’.
A diagnosis offers a roadmap. It helps explain why certain environments feel draining, why small talk can be exhausting, or why intense interests bring so much joy. This clarity isn’t just intellectual, it’s emotional clarity also. It allows people to reframe past experiences with compassion and insight, rather than confusion or shame.
Validation: You’re Not Alone
An autism diagnosis can be deeply validating. It confirms that the challenges you’ve faced aren’t due to personal failings, they’re part of a neurodivergent way of experiencing the world. That shift in perspective can be liberating to someone who has spent years feeling ‘less than’.
Validation also comes from community. Once diagnosed, many people find connection with others who share similar experiences. Online forums, local groups, and advocacy networks offer spaces where autistic voices are heard, respected, and celebrated. Knowing you’re not alone, and that your experiences are real and shared, can be a powerful antidote to isolation.
Access to Support: Tools for Thriving
With a diagnosis comes access to support systems that might otherwise be out of reach. This can include accommodations at school or work, therapeutic services, sensory-friendly environments, and tailored strategies for communication and daily living.
Importantly, support isn’t about ‘fixing’ autism, it’s more about empowering autistic individuals to thrive in a world that often isn’t designed with neurodiversity in mind. Whether it’s noise-cancelling headphones, flexible work arrangements, or social skills coaching, these tools can make a meaningful difference in quality of life.
At Leap, we firmly feel that a diagnosis is not the end, it’s just the beginning. It’s a chance to understand yourself more deeply, connect with others authentically, and access the resources you deserve. Most of all, it’s a reminder that being autistic isn’t something to hide, it’s something to embrace, it’s who you are and always have been - perfect just as you are.
Whether you’re exploring lifelong patterns or seeking answers for the first time, Leap offers a calm, professional space to begin that journey.